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Tracy Morgan Dedicates Emmy Nomination to Late Friend

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Tracy Morgan has dedicated his Emmy nomination for his return to Saturday Night Live to his late pal James ‘Jimmy Mack’ McNair.

The 30 Rock star was left seriously injured in June 2014 after a Wal-Mart truck crashed into the comedian’s limousine van in New Jersey, killing comedy writer McNair.

Morgan suffered severe brain trauma and a broken leg, among many other injuries, and had to learn how to walk again during his months-long rehabilitation.

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He celebrated his recovery in October, when he returned to host Saturday Night Live in his first major TV gig since the tragic accident, and now Morgan’s appearance has earned him recognition from officials at the Television Academy.

The actor took to Twitter to express his excitement at the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series nod after the announcement on Thursday, and saluted his late friend in the process.

“I’m so overwhelmed with happiness right now. I never would have imagined this was possible,” he wrote. “Win or lose this is for you Jimmy Mac (sic).”

I'm so overwhelmed with happiness right now. I never would have imagined this was possible. Win or lose this is for you Jimmy Mac #Emmys

Morgan did not shy away from making light of the fatal accident during his triumphant SNL return, and began his opening monologue by pretending to have a speech impediment, before insisting he was “just joking.”

He told the audience, “I was in a terrible car accident more than a year ago. It was awful, but it also showed me how much love and support I have in this world.”

“People are wondering, ‘Can he speak? Does he have 100 percent mental capacity?’ The truth is, I never did. I might even be a few points higher.”

After the show, the 47-year-old admitted he was overwhelmed by the response from his friends and fans.

“It was magical,” he told ET Online. “It was electric, the love and support. It was great being back home hanging with the cast and crew. It was great.”

Morgan featured on SNL for seven years before finding a new home at Tina Fey’s hit TV comedy 30 Rock and in movies like The Longest Yard and animated film Rio. His former co-stars from the hit series came out to support him, including Fey, Alec Baldwin, Jane Krakowski, and Jack McBrayer.

“They were so supportive,” he added. “It felt good, just to be funny.”